By Sabiu Abdullahi
A 70-year-old Safina Namukwaya has made history in Kampala, Uganda, becoming the oldest woman in Africa to give birth to twins through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Namukwaya, who underwent a successful caesarean delivery at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, welcomed a healthy baby boy and girl on Wednesday.
Medical professionals at the hospital have confirmed both Namukwaya and her newborns are in good health, highlighting the story as not only a medical success but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Speaking to a privately owned NTV channel, Namukwaya shared the challenges she faced during her pregnancy, including complications and the absence of the father of her children.
Despite societal judgments and hardships, Namukwaya expressed her gratitude, stating, “Many people judged and abused me for being barren, but I decided to leave everything to the Almighty God who has finally answered my prayers.”
This isn’t Namukwaya’s first journey into motherhood at an advanced age; she had her firstborn, Sarah, in 2020.
While cases like Namukwaya’s are rare, it echoes a similar instance in 2019 when Erramatti Mangayamma from India gave birth to twins through IVF at the age of 74, becoming the world’s oldest mother.
Namukwaya’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the triumph of hope and determination in the face of societal challenges and personal struggles.